Growing New Zealand from the South: Leeann Watson on The Front Page
A Shared Vision for Growth
The conversation comes on the back of a significant milestone: for the first time, all eight South Island Chambers of Commerce have come together to launch a shared election policy platform. The manifesto, Growing New Zealand from the South: A Policy Platform for Election 2026, sets out a vision for unlocking investment, productivity, and sustainable growth across the South Island economy.
Representing around 7,000 businesses, the South Island Chambers have set an ambitious goal, lifting South Island GDP per capita to at least $130,000 by 2035, positioning the region above the national average in living standards and economic performance.
Why the South Island Matters
As Leeann explained in the interview, the South Island is already a major contributor to New Zealand's economic success. The region produces a third of the country's exports, attracts billions in visitor spending, and is home to innovative businesses competing on the world stage.
"If New Zealand wants stronger productivity, higher incomes, and greater resilience, backing South Island growth is one of the smartest investments we can make," Leeann said.
A Practical, Business-Led Roadmap
The manifesto focuses on six priority areas: workforce and immigration, infrastructure, energy, compliance and local government, investment and capital, and exports and international growth. Rather than asking for special treatment, the platform is designed to be a practical, consensus-based roadmap, one that identifies where opportunities already exist and outlines the policy settings needed to help businesses realise them.
Listen to the Full Conversation
To hear Leeann's full discussion on the South Island's economic power play, and the practical steps needed to drive that growth, listen to the episode here:
To learn more about the election manifesto and the South Island Chambers' shared vision for 2035, read the full policy platform here.
